Casting apparatus.



PATENTED JUNE 11, 1907- H. H. DOEHLER. CASTING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FILED 0011s, 1906.

2 SHEETS$HBET 1.

No. 856,772. PATENTED JUNE 11, 1907. 11. H. DOEHLER.

GASTING APPARATUS.

' APPLICATION FILED 0011s, 1906.

' 2 SHEETS-SHEET a.

BSA-M w R 7 g az Inventpr:

A ys.

by AM 0W To all whom it may concern:

H. DOEHLER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

CASTING APPARATUS- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 11, 1907.

Application filed October 18,1906. Serial No. 339,472.

Be it known that I, HERMAN H. DOEHLER,

a citizeniof the United States, residing at the borough of Brooklyn, in the city of New York, county of Kings,and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvement's in Casting Apparatus, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

My invention relates to improvements in casting apparatus and more particularly to a class thereof wherein molten metal is charged under air pressure.

The main obj ectof the invention is to pro vide apparatus of this character wherein the deterioration of metal within the ressure pot through oxidation or agitation f fom the air admitted thereto under pressure, will be rereduced to a minimum.

. A further object is to provide an ap aratus of this character wherein the air Wlll be inducted to the pressure pot in a manner to prevent the air jet so dashing or spraying the -molten metal as to partially or wholly obstruct the air passages through particles adhering to and chilling on, the walls adjacent to the'discharge thereof.

A still further object is to provide an apparatus of this character employing an air shield so interposed between the, molten metal and the air inlet as to receive the impact of the air jet and protect the metal therefrom, while permitting a quick res onsive discharge of said metal into the mo (1 or die. I

A still further object is to provide an apparatus embodying such a s ield. which will move under such jet and the subsequent expansion of the compressed air in a manner to avoid a binding or displacement of the shield and a return to the proper position when the pressure is relieved and the pot is recharged with metal.

A still further object is to provide a melting pot, a pressure pot and a mold holder or carrier, or rigging, so constructed and arranged co-operating nozzle of t e mold holder.

A still further object is to provide means closing the mold which may be adjusted to to molds of different oxidize metal or sediment entering saidpot,

and means closing same and forming a oint which will resist the ressure within the pot during the interval w en the metal therein is under pressure. I i

A still further object is to provide a gate which when open will not be in such contact with the seat on the pressure pot or other parts of the apparatus as will permit the soldering of these parts by the molten metal; and which when closed, will be firmly set against its seat, with out the exercise of great force.

A still further object is to provide various safety appliances. controlling the air pressure in the pot with relation to the charging means, whereby the charging'mechanism cannot be operated while the metal in the potis under pressure, or said metal cannot be put under pressure while the charging mechanism is in operation.

A still further object is to provide an apparatus employing a submerged charging port in the pressure pot and means closing same, wherein the exhaust valve will be controlled in conjunction with said means, thereby preventin the opening of said charging port while t e ressure is within the pot.

A still urther object is to so arran e the controlling valve or valves in the air ine in conjunction with the means controlling the charging port, that the ressure cannot accidentally .or otherwise, e put on while said port is 0 en.

A still further object is to provide an apparatus of this character wherein the pressure pot ma be emptiedreadily to remove an accumu ation of impure metal, or prevent the solidification of metal therein when the melting pot is cooled or emptied. And a still further object is to rovide an apparatus of this character whic may be operated rapidly and continuously without serious impairment of the quality of the metal of the castings, without danger to the operator and with such case and convenience as will permit the continued operation of the machine without unduly taxing the endurance of the operator.

The invention consists primarily in the controlling the flow of air through said air line and means venting said auxiliary pot; and in such other novel features of construction and combination of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described and more particularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings: Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a section through one end of the furnace and meltin pot with the air line broken away, the valve bridge also broken away to disclose the gate arrangement, and the die or mold and ejector mechanism removed, and Fi 3 is a plan view on a larger scale of the in et or charging port and the gate mechanism.

Like letters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings, A indicates a furnace of ordinary construction in which is arranged a melting pot B adapted to contain metal in a molten state. Located in the pot B so as to be surrounded by the molten metal and maintained at a temperature at or above the fusing point of the metal being cast, is an auxiliary or pressure pot C provided with a discharge nozzle D and an upwardly.pro jected pressure chamber E. This pot is sup ported by the cross bars F carried .by the furnace A which are bolted to the head of the chamber E, and by the angular lugs G on each side of the discharge nozzle D which rest upon nace in a manner play thereof. 7 1 The nozzle D is in communication with a duct D projecting into the auxiliary or pressure pot O to a point adjacent to the bottom thereof, an arrangement which tends to to permit a slight vertical permit only that-portion of the metal having the greatest specific gravity to be discharged through said nozzle, thus preventing the metallic oxids or other dross entering the die or mold. The portion of the auxiliary pot between the discharge nozzle and the res-v sure chamber is elongated and of sma dimensions, thus increasing the heating area and diminishing the volume of metal therein.

The mold carrier comprises a plate a hinged to the furnace A at a and having a counterweight a, projected beyond the axis of said hinge in a manner to minimize the labor brackets H secured to the said furof raising and lowering the mold plate. Adjacent to the free end of said plate a is a female nozzle A adapted to register with and fit upon the discharge nozzle D.

The plate a CEMIIGS' two oppositely disposed upright rods 1) screw threaded toward the end thereof. Mounted on said rods by means of the sliding collars or sleeves c c is the upper die plate, 0, which carries the ejector pins d and their lever d, and the sprue cutter e and its lever e, which pins and which cutter, pass through the moldin the usual and well known manner.

The plate 0 is supported from the cross head f adjustably mounted on the rods 1) by means ofthe screw threads thereon and nuts as shown, a lever f pivotally mounted on said cross-head, and a link pivotally connected to the short arm of said lever and said plate, as f. The upper end of said link is forked as shown, and one side of the end of the short arm of said lever is curved to per.- mit the movement of the lever relative to said fork while presenting a positive stop to prevent the lever and link passing the center. The long arm of the said lever acts as a handle, by means of which the top plate 0 may be raised and lowered.

I have shown the parts of a mold at J and K.

Pivotally mounted on each bracket H is a tie rod 9, to the upper end of which is pivotally mounted an eccentric g having a suitable lever handle g To make the tie rods 9 adjustable, I make them in two sections, and connect them by a turn-buckle 9 These rods 9 are adapted to enter a recess 0 in each side of the plate 0 the direction of which recesses isshown in Fig. 2, where broken away on one side, andwhere indicated in dotted lines on the otherside, and the eccentrics g are adapted to engage said plate and bind it firmly in place relative to the furnace and the plate a. By providing slight play of the brackets H, these rods may be utilized for this purpose and the further purpose of bringing the discharge nozzle D into such intimate contact with the female nozzle 0. as to prevent leakage or loss of pressure at the joint'between these nozzles. The turn buckles 9 permit the adjustment of the mold carrier to molds of different dimensions and also the regulation of the pressure exerted by the eccentrics g Leading from an air tank, of fluid pressure, not shown, is an-air line h including therein two valves h h and a pet cock h The portion of said air line leading to said pressure pot is perfectly straight and enters the air chamber E between the bars F. Two valves h h are used tominimize the dangers of accident in operating the apparatus due to a leakage of air when the mold carrier is off the pressure pot.

To insure the substantially simultaneous or other source round the corners on an are which will .ings through deterioriation of the metal.

operation of both valves h k I provide each with a lever handle i 'i and connect these with a link The pet cock h is operated by means mdependent of said levers and lever actuating means.

In practice, I have found that as the air jet enters the pressure chamber, it impinges on the surface of the molten metal Within the pressure ot with sufficient force to so splash the meta as to cause small particles to fly into and about the discharge of the air line 71 in quantities sufficient to not only obstruct the flow of air or other fluid under pressure; but to finally entirely close said lme, thus lacing the apparatus out of commission.

his splashing also tends to bring the air or other fluid into such intimate contact with the metal to be immediately cast, as to rapidly oxidize same and thus weaken the cast- To obviate this difficulty, I locate a solid deflector or shield within the air chamber 0 pcsite the discharge of the air line, thus brea ring u this jet and causing the metal to be disc arged largely under ressure from the expansion of the fluid. o preserve as much as possible, the beneficial advantages of the force of the jet, I preferably make this shield in the form of a buoyant metallic float 7c having a stem 7r projecting into the air line in a manner to cause said float to move in a substantially straight line and thus prevent its becoming jammed in the pressure chamber. To permit a free movement of this float, I allow clearance on all sides thereof, and

revent diagonally o posite corners or e ges from simultaneous y engaging the walls of the pressure chamber should the float be thrown out of true at any stage of its descent. The stem k also affords convenient means for dislodging the float if for any reason, it should fail to return to normal.

Another difliculty I have found in practice, is to prevent the charging of the pressure pot with metal oxids, or metal containing such anddross. It has been endeavored to providea self filling pot (which is reasonably necessary to permit an economical operation of the machine) by having the molten metal flow through a port in the top of the pressure pot", or through submerged ports controlled by automatic valves. The first of these has been found unsatisfactory as the metal used for casting is always the poorest grade of metal containing oxids and other dross in quantities sufficient to prevent the production of perfect castings; and the secend, has also been found unsatisfactory as it is impracticable to preserve a perfect fitting valve seat and valve when such are constantly submerged in the molten metal and subjected constantly to high pressures, the slightest oxid on either the seat or the valve permitting the metal to escape and the pres- .gate 0 presenting sure to run down, not only spoiling the cast ing, but endangering the operator.

t is desirable to charge and recharge the pressure pot from metal at a point intermediate the bottom of the melting pot B and the normal level of molten metal therein, such metal being good flowing and free from impurities. With this in view, I provide the ressure pot C with a port, as at Z, the surf ace of the pot adjoining s1 ch port being faced off and given a smooth finish. Secured to said pot opposite said faced portion and spaced away therefrom, is a bridge m having a beveled abutment m substantially opposite said port. Said bridge should be secured to the pot with dre regard to the pressure which must be S}, stained thereby.

Pivotally mounted on the pot C above the bridge m is a long lever handle n having a a flat surface adapted to bear u on the finished or faced portion of the pot a joining the charging port, and an inclined surface adapted to engage the abutment 'm. The forward edge of the gate 0 acts more or less as a scraper to free the said faced portion from oxids or other deposits.

Inasmuch as the putting on of pressure while this port is open would be extremely dangerous, I preferably provide the handle n wlth an extension n adapted to pass the lever handle i and rest in such close proximity thereto when the port is open as to prevent the opening of the valves h k in the air line.

To make the venting of the pressure pot automatic and to insure the vent being closed when the valves h h are released, I provide the pet cock k with an elongated slotted handle p which is operated by a pin 9 carried by an extension g on the handle n.

The operation of the herein described apparatus is substantially as follows, the metal in the melting pot B first having been brought to the necessary tem erature to fuse it and make it flow readily, the furnace A. The lever handle n is force away from the operator, thus causing the gate 0 to move away .from the abutment m, the extension n to lock the valve in the air line it, and the extension g and pin g to open the petcock h to vent the pressure ot prior to the opening of the said port. en so opened, the molten metal Will flow freely into the said pressure pot. As the pressure pot fills, the air shield or reflector plate or float 7c will rise within the pressure chamber of the auxiliary or pressure pot C, the stem k guiding it more or less in its rise. It will .be observed that the pressure pot is thus filled with metal taken below the surface level of'the metal in the melting pot, at which level the metal is apt to contain much. oxid, and above the bottom of the said pot, where burned metal or a sediment is fre uently present. When so filled the norma metal levels in the melting 0t will be such as to submerge all parts of t e pressure plate.

pot containing metal thus preventing the chilling of same. The top plate 0 is then lowered or advanced by the lever f, the curved end of the short arm thereof moving freely in the fork of the link f 2 until. the tangential extension thereof engages therewith and positively locks the link in a manner to absorb any strains thereon from the top This movement closes the mold. If it be found that the mold is not closed prop erly, or that the link f is 03 center materially, the cross head f may be shifted toward or from the plate a, and reset in the proper position. The sleeves c preserve the alinement of the plate 0 and the mold part K thereon. The mold carrier is then brought over on its hinge until the female nozzle 0, rests upon or above the discharge nozzle D, and the tie rods 9 inserted in the recesses c in the plate 0, the eccentrics 9 being so turned as to tend to draw the entire mold holder toward the pressure pot. The power exerted by these eccentrics being great, this would place a great strain upon the furnace, the structure of which is unsuited to withstand such, were it not that the brackets H have slight vertical play. This play though slight, relieves the furnace from this strain and at the same time draws the discharge end of the pressure pot upward insuring a perfect joint between the two nozzles, and closing the mold. If it be found that these parts are not drawn together properly, the turnbuckles g may be used to lengthen or shorten the tie rods so as to secure the desired result. The various parts being positioned as described, the handle n is drawn toward the operator,

' the gate 0 being caused thereby to close the port 1. The incline thereon cominginto contact with the beveled abutment m wedges the said gate between the bridge m and the faced portion'of the pressure pot adjoining said port. This movement of the said lever also closes the pet cock k and releases the valves h 7%. The pressure pot being thus made perfectly air .tight, exceptingas to the discharge nozzle, the valves h h are opened by reciprocating the link 3', simultaneously moving both valve stems in the same direction to open both valves to the same extent at the same instant Air or other fluid under pressure, follows the airline into the pressure chamber E the jet of air striking the shield, deflector or'float k and being broken up thereby. The force exerted thereby will, however, force said float downwardly, placing the metal under pressure, the air in said chamber preventing more or less, a back pressure about said float. The molten metal will thus be forced into the mold through the duct D and nozzle D. If any air should pass through the elongated portion of the pressure pot, it would rise to the top of the said pot and thus still serve to charge the mold.

The various operations are then reversed to relieve the pressure within the pot C, refill said pot, relock the valve control and remove the casting. To do the last, the various tie rods and locks are released, and the whole carrier then turned upon its hinge to remove it as much as possible from the furnace and give it a convenient position for ejecting and cleansing, the counterweight facilitating this operation.

It is to be observed that the shield or float is is provided primarily to prevent the air entering the pressure pot in a jet and by splashing the metal not onlyrapidly oxidizing same, but choking the air line. The churning action of the jet is also so injurious as to be avoided if possible. It will also be observed that as the gate 0 is closed, the forward edge thereof will scrape the seat about the port Z, and that when it is not closed, it will be free from both the pot and the bridge m, thus minimizing the likelihood of its becoming soldered thereto. i

It is not my intention to limit the invention to the precise details of construction herein shown and described, it being apparent that such is merely one embodiment of the invention and may be departed from without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent is 1. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an auX- iliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line dischar ing into said pressure pot, an air shieTd disposed opposite the discharge of said air line and afiording channels thereabout whereby the compressed air is permitted to pass about said shield and act directly on the surface of the molten metal and the air jet is prevented from impinging directly thereon, means,- controlling the flow of air through said air line and means venting said auxiliary pot.

2. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an auxiliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line discharging into said pressure pot, a buoyant metallic shield of smaller diameter than said pressure pot disposed opposite the discharge of said air line whereby the compressed air is permitted to pass about said shield and act directly on the surface of the molten metal and the air jet is prevented from impinging directly thereon, means guiding same, means controlling the flow of air through said air line and means venting said auxiliary pot.

3. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an

auxiliary or pressure pot having a pressure chamber therein, a discharge nozzle for said pressurepot whereby molten -metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line disguided in its movements, means controlling the flow of air through said air line, and means venting said pressure pot.

4. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an auxiliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line discharging into said pressure pot, means controlling the flow of air through said air line, means venting said pressure pot, and means charging and re-charging said pot comprising a submerged port in said pot adjacent to the bottom thereof, a valve-"pivoted relative to said pot and adapted to close said port, means whereby said valve when operated will be forced against said pot in a manner to form a metal tight joint and a lever handle carrying said valve.

5. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an auxiliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line discharging into said pressure pot, means controlling the flow of air through said air line, means venting said pressure pot, means charging and recharging said pot comprising a sub-.

merged port in said pot adjacent to the bottom thereof, a valve pivoted relative to said pot and adapted to close said port, means whereby said valve when operated will be forced against said pot in a manner to form a metal tightjoint, and a lever handle carrying said valve, and means actuated by said lever handle whereby said venting means will be actuated before said port is opened.

6. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an auxiliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication wlth said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line d1s-- charging into said pressure pot, means controlling the flow of air through said air line, means venting said pressure pot, and means charging and re-charging said pot comprising a submerged port in said pot adjacent to the bottom thereof, a Wedge shaped valve presenting a plane surface toward said ot,

pivoted relative to said pot and adapte to close said port, a bridge carried by said pot, an abutment thereon adapted to engage said valve and a lever handle for said valve.

7. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an

auxiliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold ma be supported adjacent thereto, an air line ischargmg into said pressure ot, means controlling the flow of air throug said air line, means venting said ressure pot, and means charging and re-c iarging said pot comprising a submerged port, in said pot adjacent to the bottom thereof, a valve pivoted relative-to said pot and adapted to close said port, means whereby said valve when operated Will be forced against said pot in a manner to form a metal tight joint, and a lever handle carrying said valve, and means actuated by the said lever handle whereby the means controlling the air flow, is locked when said port 1s open.

8. In casting apparatus, the combination of a meltingpot, means heating same, an auxiliary or pressure ot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby mol fen metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold Ina be sup ported adjacent thereto, an air ine discharging into said pressure pot, a plurality of valves arranged in said air hne, lever handles therefor, a link connecting said lever handles,

means venting said pressure 0t and means 9. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an

auxiliary or pressure 1pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby mo ten metal may be discharged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be sup- IIO ported adjacent thereto, an air line dischargmg into said pressure pot, means controlhng the flow of air through said air line, a pet cock venting said pressure pot, a lever handle therefor, means charging and re-charging I in a manner to form a metal tight joint, and

a lever handle carrying said valve, an exten sion carried by said lever handle and connections between said extension and'said pet cock lever handle whereby said pet cock will be opened before said port.

10. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, means heating same, an auxiliary or pressure pot, a discharge nozzle therefor whereby molten metal may be dis charged therefrom, means in communication with said nozzle whereby a mold may be supported adjacent thereto, an air line discharging into said pressure pot, a plurality of valves arranged in said air line, lever handles therefor, a link connecting said lever handles, a pet cock venting said pressure pot, a lever handle therefor, means charging and re-charging said pot comprising a submerged port in said pot adjacent to the bottom thereof, a valve pivoted relative to said pot and adapt ed to close said port, means whereby said valve when operated will be' forced against said pot in a manner to form a metal tight joint, and a lever handle carrying said valve, an extension on said lever handle adapted to be interposed in the path of the lever handle of anysaid valve in said air line whereby said.

valves are locked when the port is open, a second extension carried by said lever handle and connections between said extension and said pet cock lever handle wherebysaid pet cock will be opened before said port.

11. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, a furnace thereabout, brackets carried by said pot and said furnace having slight vertical play, an auxiliary or pressure pot having one end supported from said furnace or melting pot, angular lugs carriedby the other end resting upon said bracketc, a discharge nozzle for said pressure pot whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, a mold carrier, a nozzle thereon adapted to fit said discharge nozzle, and means carried by said brackets and adapted to engage said carrier whereby said nozzles will be drawn together.

12. In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, a furnace thereabout, brackets carried by said potfand said furnace having slight vertical play, an auxiliary or pressure pot having one end supported from said furnace ormelting pot, angular lugs carried by the other end engaging said brackets, a discharge nozzle for said pressure pot whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, a mold carrier comprising a base plate, and a top plate, means whereby said top plate may be advanced toward or drawn from said base plate, a nozzle on said base plate adapted to fit said discharge nozzle, tie rods pivotally connected to said brackets respectively, eccentrics carried thereby "adapted to en age said top plate and a lever handle for eac of said eccentrics.

13; In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, a furnace thereabout, brackets carried by said pot and said furnace having slight vertical play, an auxiliary or pressure pot having one end supported from said furnace or melting pot, angular lugs carried by the other end engaging said brackets, a discharge nozzle for said pressure pot whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, a mold carrier comprising a base plate and a to plate, means whereby said 'top plate may e advanced toward or drawn from said base plate, a nozzle on said base plate adapted to fit said discharge nozzle, tie rods pivotally connected to said brackets respectively, means whereby said tie rods may be adjusted as to their length, eccentrics carried thereby adapted to engage said top plate and a lever handle for each of said eccentrics.

14.- In casting apparatus, the combination of a melting pot, a furnace thereabout, brackets carried by said pot and said furnace having slight vertical play, an auxiliary or pressure pot having one end supported from said furnace or melting pot, angular lu s carried by the other end engaging said brac ets, a discharge nozzle for said pressure pot whereby molten metal may be discharged therefrom, a mold carrier comprising a base plate, uprights carried thereby, a top plate havin sleeves encircling said uprights, a cross Iiead adjustably .mounted on said uprights, a lever carried by said adjustable cross head, a link connectiorrbetween said lever and said top plate, a nozzle on said base plate adapted to fit said discharge nozzle, tie rods pivotally connected to said brack ets respectively, means whereby said tie rods may be adjusted as to their lengths, eccentrics carried thereby adapted to engage-said top plate and a lever handle for each of said eccentrics.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signaturethis 13th day of-October,

-1906, in the presence of two witnesses.

HERMAN H. DOEHLER. I Witnesses: I F. T. WEN'rwoRTH, ELEANOR F. MINEGUE. 

